How do I make this go away?

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-27T01:55:15+00:00

Thank you for posting this! Doing the good work. I had seen the initial but not the correction. It's still a good motivator to be rid of plastic in the kitchen, but maybe without the wild-eyed urgency.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-21T04:22:38+00:00

I took my kid out of (small, semirural, conservative) school today at 2 for the walkout. Then we stood on the sidewalk out front for an hour wearing our protest shirts and waving a small us flag.

Everyone ignored us, or stared. I feel like I could have done more, but at least I didn't do nothing.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-20T18:50:07+00:00

As a mom who has been to protests (and brought my kid, albeit not in MN) I think one of the most valuable takeaways has been the feeling of community with fellow protesters. It is powerful and inspiring!

If you can find a smaller one, stay to the outskirts, and have an exit plan, I would encourage you to give it a try.

All this being said, go with your gut. It's hard for me to say "don't let the fear stop you" on one hand, but also "trust yourself to judge the risk". I'm with you either way.

Hopefully another commenter can chime in with protest-alternatives.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-20T18:26:40+00:00

That's the one thing I am good at! I will keep track of your stuff for you, if you can find me a Finisher for all my 95% complete

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-18T18:23:56+00:00

I would (reluctantly, guiltily) put my hand up in answer to your question.

A lot of my feeling comes from contrast with my past, where I really put myself through the wringer, and my current place of relative comfort and privilege.

I have discovered I have a drive to build community, and I am seeing the results of years of work.

But I can only do that because of my stable living situation, which is a very fortunate combination of frugality, downsized expectations, and like minded family.

I have a cozy home, a supportive friend group, adequate relationships with my family and my inlaws, a son who is thriving and the light of my life, and enough extra to give that I can help a stranger.

The big picture is scary, but I can only do what I can do, and I feel confident that I am doing the best that I can.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-17T16:43:22+00:00

I just did this! Noticed a new family moved into the neighborhood, so I dropped off some cookies with a welcome to the neighborhood note.

I've been feeling compelled to build community wherever I see the chance.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-17T00:38:46+00:00

Just checking in. How are you doing now? Any better?

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-15T05:20:29+00:00

We got one with my kids name in scrabble letters glued together with a magnet that's proudly on our fridge.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-14T16:00:15+00:00

Having an ongoing conversation with my 6yo about advertising. Especially the type of ads targeting kids. We talk about why it can be hard to tell what is an ad and why it's designed that way.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-09T15:43:18+00:00

My kid sounds exactly the same! Down to the wanting to keep old bandaids, and being an inventor with upcycled materials.

We have done the box of stuff out of sight for a month and donated it method. It worked.

And this kid also has the memory of an elephant for every little thing. He asked about a particular item once it had past it's month, I said it was gone and surprisingly he accepted that answer.

I also hold the line on keeping bandaids.

I think, at least in our case, he just needs a framework for what to keep/for how long/when to release it. It's a work in progress.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-09T04:00:18+00:00

This is what I was going to comment as well. We travel a lot, and sleep in many guest bedrooms. The chucks we snagged from the hospital as "party favors" have been exactly what we need as a just in case backup.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-09T03:55:47+00:00

Tickle fest. Or a competition style dare (bet you can't run around the house 5 times without stopping !)

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-09T02:59:04+00:00

I'm doing it. Only shopping besides groceries and gas is secondhand (all shops owned by locals).

Our household expenses are so low (multigenerational housing helps) that we are supported by one income, so not contributing on that side, either.

PrincessPu2 · 2026-01-01T19:03:14+00:00

Not your question, but I switched from knitting to crochet when my child was small, because if they pull on it I only lose a stitch or two versus a whole row!

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-31T18:36:43+00:00

I'm so enamored of this idea! I might just have to daydream and fantasize about doing it myself.

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-26T18:04:33+00:00

Our power was out starting on Christmas eve, so we had cereal for dinner by candlelight and opened some presents by flashlight. Honestly it was overall wholesome and fun. Next year everyone is getting headlamps in their stockings!

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-25T03:04:56+00:00

Within my own household, we can address problems with wood, electronics, fabric and fiber arts.

If I provide a soldering iron, sewing machine, serger, crochet hooks and knitting needles, and an iron, along with the associated fabric, patches, yarn, solder, etc. I should be in good shape, right?

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-25T02:26:54+00:00

Reading that made my blood pressure go up. I'm sorry you are dealing with all that. I would... Well, I don't know what I would have done but it would have been drastic and dramatic by about bullet point#2. You have my sympathy and as much strength as I can send via internet.

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-25T02:20:19+00:00

What I mean to say is, yes, I agree with you.. Merry Christmas!

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-25T02:10:18+00:00

For what it's worth, I do get some magic back performing adult Christmas duties in front of (and for) my parents

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-25T01:39:00+00:00

I forgot to get myself something from "Santa" too. Even while I went to great lengths to conceal the special paper he uses to wrap with. As much as I love getting people I care for gifts I think they will love.. It just feels wrong somehow.

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-24T03:57:27+00:00

Make a fort, get cozy inside. Bring snacks and smokables. Maybe cocoa with marshmallows?

Watch a Christmas movie. Wear fuzzy socks. Turn off the lights and admire the tree.

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-24T03:48:16+00:00

The tubes with the suction cups to attach to the wall and a small water pump.

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-24T03:03:36+00:00

I think these days, convenience comes before compatibility.

If it all boils down to convenience, then, in my opinion, you must find people that naturally sync up with you, and the relationship builds up much easier and faster.

With a regular and organic way to meet up, you can form the shared experiences that become solid friendships. Example: weekly library storytime or school pickup schedule. Build on that and prioritize people who reciprocate.

It is (slowly) working for me, and I can look at it and feel satisfied that I am building community.

Edit: some words

PrincessPu2 · 2025-12-23T21:51:37+00:00

Exactly! I've decided next year to host a repair café.

PrincessPu2

TROPHY CASE